SHINee announces new mini album ‘Atmos’ featuring moody, nostalgic tracksSHINee is returning just in time for the start of summer, leaning into romance, memory and emotional aftershocks with a new album suffused with rain-drenched imagery and sleek pop production. The veteran K-pop group said Tuesday that its sixth mini album, “Atmos,” will be released June 1 at 6 p.m. across major music streaming platforms. The six-track album includes the title song “Atmos,” along with B-side tracks that explore different shades of love, longing and fleeting connection. Among the new songs is “HOURS,” a funk-pop track layered with disco influences, groovy bass lines and half-time rhythms that give the song a polished but nostalgic feel. The lyrics center on a desire to gather not only shared memories and romance from the past, but also the moments yet to come with a loved one. Another track, “Still Raining,” blends pluck synth with laid-back rhythmic instrumentals to create what the agency described as a dreamy R&B pop atmosphere. The song captures the emotional jolt of feelings that arrive unexpectedly “like a sudden shower,” while reflecting on memoriesMay 26, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
BABYMONSTER to release digital single 'SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA'Girl group BABYMONSTER will release a new digital single, "SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA," on June 8 at midnight, its company YG Entertainment said Monday. The release comes roughly one month after the group's third extended play, "CHOOM," dropped on May 4, marking a swift turnaround for the seven-member act. YG Entertainment has previously pledged to shorten album production cycles and expand its artists' release schedules, and Monday's announcement reflects that commitment. YG Entertainment unveiled a teaser poster on its official blog to kick off the promotional campaign. The image shows a street poster featuring bold typography on a neon green background. Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk had previously hinted at the single's title, which suggests a summer-themed concept. "As the title 'SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA' suggests, it will be BABYMONSTER's summer song that will cool off the scorching heat," the agency said in a statement. "In addition to promoting the new single, we plan to fill the summer with music video releases for tracks from the third EP, 'CHOOM,' so please look forward to it." The announcMay 26, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
BTS wins top prize again at American Music AwardsK-pop supergroup BTS clinched Artist of the Year, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) held in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time), marking its second win in the flagship category. The septet beat global stars, such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift, to win the honor as it returned to the AMAs stage for the first time in five years. The group also took home Song of the Summer for "Swim," the lead track from its fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," during the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The win marks BTS' second Artist of the Year title following its historic first victory in 2021, when it became the first Asian act to claim the top prize. Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan voting.May 26, 2026By Yonhap
BTS' 'Swim' wins Song of the Summer at AMAs"Swim," the latest hit from Korean boy group BTS, has been named Song of the Summer at the American Music Awards (AMAs), one of the three major U.S. pop music awards shows. "Swim" was announced as the winner at the ceremony held on Monday (local time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, beating nine competing songs, including Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor."May 26, 2026By Yonhap
'Golden' beats Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen to win AMA Song of the Year"Golden," the breakout soundtrack hit from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," claimed Song of the Year at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Sunday (local time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The song, performed by the fictional girl group HUNTRIX — consisting of real-life singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — beat out a field of strong contenders, including Alex Warren's "Ordinary," Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem," Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia" and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas." EJAE and Rei Ami attended the ceremony to accept the award, while Audrey Nuna was absent. EJAE, who co-wrote the song alongside Mark Sonnenblick, thanked fans and the production team. "This movie, this song is fueled by the fans. You guys truly sealed the 'Honmoon,'" she said, a reference to the mythic barrier in the film that HUNTRIX maintains to protect the human world from the demon realm. She also took a moment to wish Rei Ami a happy 31st birthday, the occasion falling on the night of the win. Rei Ami in turn thanked fans, family and friends, calling it a year thatMay 26, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS eyes top prize again at American Music AwardsK-pop supergroup BTS is seeking to clinch its second Artist of the Year award, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) as the ceremony takes place in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time). The septet is nominated in three categories this year, including the flagship Artist of the Year award, where it will compete against global stars, such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. BTS will attend the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first time in five years, having last appeared in 2021. The band is also nominated for Best Male K-pop Artist and Song of the Summer for "Swim," the lead track from its fifth studio album, "ARIRANG." A win for Artist of the Year would mark its second grand prize at the AMAs. In 2021, BTS made history as the first Asian act to win the top award, sweeping three trophies, including Favorite Duo or Group and Favorite Pop Song for its megahit "Butter." Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan votes. "Dracula"May 26, 2026By Yonhap
TWICE’s Jeongyeon draws praise for return of ‘prime visuals’ after health strugglesTWICE member Jeongyeon is drawing attention online after fans praised her healthier appearance during the group’s ongoing world tour. On Sunday, Jeongyeon uploaded several behind-the-scenes photos to social media without a caption, but the images quickly spread across Korean online communities and fan accounts. The photos showed the singer backstage during TWICE’s current world tour, posing for mirror selfies in a sleeveless top decorated with pearl details and while wearing a performance microphone. Fans particularly focused on Jeongyeon’s sharper facial features and elegant styling, with many commenting that she appeared to have regained her “prime visuals” — a Korean entertainment phrase referring to a celebrity’s peak appearance. The renewed attention also brought back discussion of Jeongyeon’s past health issues. The singer previously revealed that she experienced significant weight gain after taking steroids during treatment for a herniated cervical disc in 2020. At the time, concerns over her health and changing appearance became a major topic online, with many fansMay 25, 2026By Xportsnews
Chaebol heiress-turned-idol Annie graduates from Columbia University in latest viral momentAnnie, the idol member known as the eldest daughter of Korea’s powerful Shinsegae retail family, is drawing attention after sharing photos from her graduation at Columbia University. On Friday, Annie uploaded several photos on social media without a caption, giving fans a glimpse of her graduation ceremony in New York. The photos show Annie posing around the university campus in a light blue graduation gown, showcasing an elegant and polished look. Her long straight hairstyle and minimal styling added to the refined image that quickly sparked buzz online. In several shots, Annie is seen holding her graduation cap while looking directly into the camera, highlighting the poised visuals and luxury-family aura that have frequently made headlines since her entertainment debut. Annie is the granddaughter of Lee Myung-hee, chairwoman of Shinsegae Group, and the eldest daughter of Chung Yoo-kyung, chairwoman of Shinsegae. Because of her background, Annie has often attracted attention as a rare “chaebol idol” figure in K-pop. She debuted in June last year as a member of the co-ed group ALLDAMay 23, 2026By Xportsnews
BTS fans angered as Busan room rates jump up to tenfold before concertsBTS fans are criticizing alleged price gouging by Busan accommodations ahead of the group’s concerts in the southern port city, taking to online forums to condemn skyrocketing room rates. One room typically costing 60,000 won ($40) per night reportedly spiked to 760,000 won during the concert period, sparking widespread outrage among fans. BTS will hold concerts in the city on June 12 and 13 as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour. The dates overlap with the group’s debut anniversary on June 13, raising expectations that domestic and global fans will travel to Busan in large numbers. The Busan Metropolitan Government is also preparing related events. Fans criticized the accommodations for excessive rate hikes capitalizing on surging demand surrounding the event. The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency said they checked 135 Busan hotels and motels, finding average concert-week room rates more than doubled compared to the weekends before and after the event. Motel rates more than tripled from normal levels, while hotel rates nearly tripled. Some properties set prices moMay 23, 2026By Xportsnews
BTS' RM recounts $437 military store bill for skin care products during livestreamBTS member RM shared an incident from boot camp during his mandatory military service. RM recounted the story during a Wednesday livestream on Weverse, an online fan platform owned by BTS management company HYBE. During the broadcast, RM said he lent his credit card to trainees from another platoon to buy snacks, but they charged 660,000 won ($436.70) at the post exchange, buying everything from everyday items to "snail cream," a popular Korean skin care product at the military stores. He said the transaction crashed the register, reportedly the first time this happened at a Korean army boot camp. Because the register crashed, the company commander summoned RM and the trainees for questioning. RM initially defended the recruits, saying he just told them to buy snacks, but discovered they purchased skin care and health products to send to their mothers. RM said the receipt listed more than 100 items. He added the trainees eventually apologized. RM accepted the apology but joked that buying snail creams was a bit too much. BTS released its fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG," on March 20 afteMay 22, 2026By Xportsnews
